Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Business

Starting a business in Santa Ana is an exciting opportunity and the City is here to help you succeed. Whether you're opening a restaurant, retail shop, beauty salon, fitness studio, food truck, or launching a home-based service, Santa Ana offers a clear, step-by-step guide to get you up and running.

From choosing the right location and verifying zoning to registering your business name and obtaining the necessary licenses, this process is designed to be approachable and efficient. Let’s walk through the essential steps to bring your business vision to life in Santa Ana.

Please click on the drop down menu for each step or click on the image to the right to download a PDF version of the step-by-step guide.

1. Determine Your Business Needs & Location

The City of Santa Ana’s Economic Development Division offers resources to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. Contact us or come visit us at our weekly office hours for assistance with business incentives, job training, and finding a location.

Phone: (714) 647-5445
Cost: $0
Website: Economic Development – City of Santa Ana

Additional Support:
•Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free workshops and consulting on marketing, planning, funding, and management.
Phone: (800) 616-7232
Cost: $0
Website: OCIE SBDC

•SCORE Orange County provides free expert mentoring, workshops, and online business tools.
Phone: (714) 550-7369
Cost: $0
Website: Orange County | SCORE

2. Check Zoning Requirements

Confirm your business location complies with city zoning laws. Check your zoning using the City’s Property Activity Search AND Contact the Planning and Building Agency.

Phone: (714) 647-5804
Cost: $54 – $19,945 (varies by zoning request)
Website: Property Activity Search
More Info: Zoning documents – City of Santa Ana

3. Choose a Business Structure

Select a legal entity type (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc.). This affects taxation, liability, and financing. Consult an attorney or tax professional for guidance.

Cost: Varies by structure and filling type
More Info: Online Business Services | California Secretary of State

4. Register Your Business with the CA Secretary State

Certain business structures must register with the California Secretary of State:

Required: Corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs
Optional: General Partnerships and Sole Proprietorships
Cost: Varies by entity type ($50 – $120)
More Info: Starting a Business – Entity Types : California Secretary of State

5. File a Fictitious Business Name (DBA)

If using a name other than your own, register a DBA with the Orange County Clerk Recorder.

Phone: (714) 834-2500
Cost: $23 – $32
Website: Fictitious Business Name | OC Clerk Recorder Department

6. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Required for partnerships, corporations, and businesses with employees. Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number.

Phone: (800) 829-4933
Cost: $0
Website: Get an EIN | Internal Revenue Service
More Info: How to Apply for an EIN | Internal Revenue Service

7. Home-Based Businesses (home based businesses ONLY)

Obtain a Home Occupation Permit before applying for a business license.

Cost: $54
Website: Home Occupation Permit | City of Santa Ana
More Info: Home-based businesses are not required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (COO).

8. Mobile Food Facility Permit (food trucks & carts ONLY)

Required for food trucks and carts in Orange County. First-time permits must be obtained through OC Environmental Health.

Cost: $183 – $488 annual fee
Application: Mobile Food Facility Health Permit Application 2023.pdf
Fee Schedule: Mobile Food Facility Permit Fee Schedule
More Info: Mobile Food – Trucks and Carts | Orange County California – Health Care Agency

9. Obtain a Business License

A business license is required to operate in Santa Ana. Contact the Business Tax Office for applications and fees.

Phone: (714) 647-5447
Cost: $57
Website: Business license & related services – City of Santa Ana

10. Apply for a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) (transportation businesses ONLY)

If operating oversized or overweight vehicles, obtain a special transportation permit through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Cost: $35 – $2,500 (varies by vehicle weight and type)
Website: Caltrans – Transportation Permits | Caltrans
More Info: How To Apply | Caltrans

11. Apply for OCTAP Permit (ride-share transportation businesses ONLY)

Taxi businesses operating in Orange County must obtain an OCTAP permit to operate legally.

Application: OCTAP Company Permit Application
Website: Orange County Transportation Authority

12. Get a Certificate of Occupancy

Required for businesses operating out of a physical location.

Cost: $147 (Tier 1) or $544 (Tier 2)
Website: Certificate of Occupancy Application | City of Santa Ana
Schedule Inspection: Occupancy Inspections

13. Food Facility Health Permit (food businesses ONLY)

Required to operate a food establishment in the County of Orange.

Cost: $460 – $2,817
Application: Food Health Permit Application
Fee Schedule: Food Facility Permit Fee Schedule
More Info: Food Facility Health Permit | Orange County California – Health Care Agency

14. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Permit (food businesses ONLY)

Businesses serving food must comply with the City of Santa Ana’s FOG program.

Cost: Free to enroll (additional fees for appliances may be necessary)
Website: Fats, oils, and grease control program – City of Santa Ana
More Info: Food Service Establishment – Fats, Oils, Grease Application Form

15. Seller’s Permit (retail businesses ONLY)

Required if you are selling a product in the State of California.

Cost: $0
Application: CDTFA Online Services
Website: Obtaining a Seller’s Permit

16. Obtain State Permits & Licenses

Depending on your business type, you may need:

• Liquor Stores and Restaurants Serving Liquor – Liquor License
Phone: (714) 558-410
Website: Apply for a New License | Alcoholic Beverage Control

• Manufacturing and Emissions – Air Quality Permit
Phone: (909) 396-2000
Website: Permits | AQMD

17. Get a State Employer Payroll Tax Account

Employers must register with the Employment Development Department (EDD).

Phone: (888) 745-3886
Cost: $0
Website: Employers: Payroll Tax Account Registration

18. Open a Business bank Account

Keeping business and personal finances separate is essential for tax and legal purposes.

19. Create a Business Plan

A solid business plan increases your chances of success. Free resources are available:

• SBDC (Small Business Development Center)
Phone: (800) 616-7232
Website: Home – OCIE SBDC

• SCORE Orange County
Phone: (714) 550-7360
Website: Orange County | SCORE

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